Open Access

ARTICLE

Spatial Equity in Urban Mobility: A PCA-Based Analysis of Multimodal Accessibility in Caen, France

Kofi Bonsu^*, Olivier Bonin

Laboratoire Ville Mobilité Transport, Université Gustave Eiffel, 6-8 Av. Blaise Pascal, Champs-sur-Marne, 77420, France

* Corresponding Author: Kofi Bonsu. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advancements in Geospatial Methods and Technologies for Sustainable Built Environment and Engineering)

Revue Internationale de Géomatique 2025, 34, 639-654. https://doi.org/10.32604/rig.2025.067000

Received 23 April 2025; Accepted 17 July 2025; Issue published 11 August 2025

Abstract

This study analyzes the spatial accessibility of key services in Caen, France, focusing on how different transport modes (car, bicycle, and public transit) influence access to essential services across the urban and suburban landscape. Indeed, the introduction of traffic restrictions in towns with low emission zones encourages a detailed study, on a fine spatial scale, of the differences in accessibility between different modes of transport, for different services and for different journey times. Using spatial analysis techniques, we examine accessibility patterns in relation to services such as shops, healthcare, education, and tourism, highlighting significant disparities between transport modes. The findings reveal that car travel provides the highest accessibility across all service categories, particularly for healthcare and recreational services, while bicycle and public transit accessibility is more limited, especially in peripheral areas. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) synthesizes the multimodal accessibility data, and hierarchical clustering identifies distinct patterns of accessibility using different transport modes across the city. The study further explores temporal trends in accessibility, showing how different modes perform over varying travel times. Based on these findings, we propose targeted policy interventions aimed at improving public transit, enhancing cycling infrastructure, decentralizing essential services, and promoting mixed-use urban development. Future research directions include examining socio-economic disparities, the impact of emerging mobility technologies, and the environmental implications of accessibility patterns. This research provides valuable insights for urban planners seeking to improve mobility equity and sustainability in urban areas.

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